Currie kit for front UCA bushings at axle

Well I got the driver side done this weekend. Wow what a huge pain-in-the-butt to get the old bushing out (the one that is in an ear on top of the diff housing). Beat on that thing for 4 hours before it finally popped out. Had to basically crush it in all the way around to get it to break loose. Replaced it with a currie johnny joint. The johnny joint went in very easily (it comes with a guide that you put over it and beat on it - took about 50 good solid whacks to drive it right into place). Maybe 20 minutes to put it in.

Next is the passenger side. That requires cutting off the stock bushing and welding in a new bracket. Looks really easy, except I don't have a welder (and wouldn't trust my welding skills anyway). Basically you cut the old bracket just below the bushing, leaving most of the bracket still on the axle tube. The new bracket nests down inside it, and you run a weld bead around the perimeter of the cut line, then a bead across the front of the new bracket where it meets the axle tube. The new bracket has the currie johnny joint already installed in it.

Hopefully I'll get that part done in the next couple of weeks... just gotta recruit someone with a welder and some skillz and about an hour to spare...

This is the kit:

And here is what it will look like installed:

wsm04rubi wrote:Beat on that thing for 4 hours before it finally popped out. Had to basically crush it in all the way around to get it to break loose. Replaced it with a currie johnny joint. The johnny joint went in very easily (it comes with a guide that you put over it and beat on it - took about 50 good solid whacks to drive it right into place). Maybe 20 minutes to put it in.

:shock:Are you talking about your jeep? And who is this Johnny Guy?

MadMark wrote: :shock:Are you talking about your jeep? And who is this Johnny Guy?

Luckily the Jeep doesn't hit back.

Bought one of these today:

http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=8339

Gonna pass the point of no return tonight - cutting off the stock control arm mount...

Now the projects get way more fun with that tool!

The cut is done. I cannot believe I have lived so long without a reciprocating saw.

Wow!!!

It took me longer to jack the Jeep up on the jackstand than it did to cut off the control arm mount.

About 2 minutes tops, and it was out of there, nice straight cut too!

Just a bit of sanding and I'm ready for welding...

Your just a welder away from having every tool you'll ever need to work on a jeep.(I'm assuming you already have a BFH and duct tape)

MadMark wrote:Your just a welder away from having every tool you'll ever need to work on a jeep.(I'm assuming you already have a BFH and duct tape)

Yup, have the BFH and the duct tape!

I also bought the worlds biggest adjustable wrench today - a 15" one that opens to 1.75" wide. My 12" that opens to 1.5" wasn't quite big enough to fit on the jam nut on the new track bar.

That one wrench was $35

Thanks to Chris for doing the welding on this today!!!

Got the control arm mount and the track bar mount done, everything is painted, mounted, aligned, greased, etc.

And I got to drive the Jeep tonight for the first time in 2 weeks. Steering felt nice and tight, no death wobble, no bump steer, etc!!!

Great news Bill. And how come I dont get a thanks for standing around B.S.'ing and drinking your beer?

mumblewood wrote:Great news Bill. And how come I dont get a thanks for standing around B.S.'ing and drinking your beer?

And thanks to Jon for the moral support!

Chris did the working, Jon and I just drank beer and watched.